International Lovelies

Translation of the Korean 와랑둥이, the term of endearment created by k-army for i-army. The abbreviated version of this nickname is "i-lovelies". The name originates from the Korean word "Eppi" (이삐), which BTS member Park Jimin once used to describe the ARMY fandom. K-army started using "international lovelies" as a nickname for i-army after this. The nickname is meant to show k-army's love and appreciation towards the international fandom and carries special meaning to BTS fans, since it allowed the fandom to grow closer. In return, the nickname given to k-army by i-army is "k-diamond". Most kpop fandoms are historically not very close, since there tends to be very little communication between Korean and international fans (which often results in very misinformed i-fans), and the Korean fandom tends to dislike the international counterpart. This fact makes the nicknames and bond between k-army and i-army that much more special. In recent years, kpoppies have gotten increasingly uncreative and started stealing and copying things. So despite the name being coined years ago and already having a common knowledge widespread usage within the ARMY fandom, some kpoppies are currently trying to make the name happen for their own i-fandoms in an effort to appear as close as the ARMY fandom, despite secretly calling them i-roaches and cockroaches behind their backs.